Independence Day 2024: As India celebrated its 78th Independence Day on August 15, leaders from across the globe extended their wishes to the country's people. Though wishes came from several nations, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the first ones to greet India's leadership and the people of India.


While most of the leaders from the South Asian countries invoked strengthening of bilateral relations and enduring friendship rooted in history, presidents and prime ministers from other countries spoke about strategic ties and regional ethos.


In his message on X, French President Macron said that he reminisces the warm welcome he received during his visit to India in January. He stated that is looking forward to "working with my friend Narendra Modi on achieving the ambitious goals we have set for our strategic partnership."






Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a message of greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India's Independence Day.


“We attach great importance to the relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India. I am confident that the consistent implementation of the agreements reached following our recent talks in Moscow will contribute to the further development of multifaceted Russian-Indian cooperation," Putin stated in a statement shared by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.






According to the Russian president, this undoubtedly meets the interests of the friendly peoples of the two countries and is in line with the consolidation of security and international stability.


Here's how other world leaders wished India on the occasion of Independence Day:


Nepal


Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli took to X to write: “Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and the people of India on 78th Independence Day! May this day strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our nations. Looking forward to advancing Nepal-India relations.”  






Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba too took to X to wish India and wrote: “On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of India, I wish to extend warm greetings and felicitations to His Excellency @DrSJaishankar and the friendly people of India."


"May the ties of friendship and cooperation between Nepal and India continue to strengthen. Wishing peace, prosperity, and progress to the people of India,” she said with a hashtag #NepalIndiaRelations.


Italy


Italy President Giorgia Meloni also took to X to extend her greetings on Independence Day. 


"On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, I wish to express my sincerest greetings to the Indian people, and especially to the many Indians who follow this page. Italy and India share an increasingly strong bond, and I am certain that together we will achieve great results. Our strategic collaboration is an important pillar for the future," she wrote. 






Bhutan


Tagging PM Narendra Modi and PMO India, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated on X, “Wishing the government and people of India a very happy Independence Day! May the special friendship between Bhutan and India grow ever stronger.”  






Maldives


Following Jaishankar's visit to his country last week to reset India's bilateral ties with the Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on X: “On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President @rashtrapatibhvn, Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the people of India.”  


“Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. As we look to the future, I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen, driving mutual prosperity and shared goals," he added.






Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Muizzu’s cabinet colleague also extended warm greetings and best wishes to Jaishankar, the Government, and the friendly people of India on the jubilant occasion of Independence Day. "Wishing for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the people of India and for a stronger and vibrant bilateral partnership between Maldives and India," he said in a post on X.


Maldives’ former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and head of the main opposition Maldives Democratic Party and former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid too sent over their greetings.


“As India moves toward its goal of Viksit Bharat, we remain grateful for all the support India has extended to the Maldives and the security and wellbeing of the Indian Ocean region. May the ties of friendship that have existed between the peoples of India and Maldives since ancient times long endure.”  


Sri Lanka


M U M Ali Sabry, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka sent "warm wishes" to EAM Jaishankar, the government, and people of India, saying, “I am confident that the excellent bilateral ties between our nations will continue to strengthen in the years to come.”  






Mauritius


Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Mauritius Prime Minister in his greetings posted on X sent “warmest congratulations” to Modi and the people of India and wished “Long live the vibrant and ever flourishing Mauritius Bharat relationship."






Mauritius’ Minister for Foreign Affairs Maneesh Gobin said: “On this day we honour the enduring ties that unite our nations. Together, we grow stronger.” He also used Hindi slogans of ‘Jai Bharat’ and ‘Jai Mauritius’ signifying victory while posting the greetings on X.


United States


Predicting a bright future for US-India strategic relations, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the two countries share a deep bond, which is established on their shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity.


Congratulating the people of India on Independence Day, Blinken said in a statement: “On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations.”  


Singapore


Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan stated that he looked forward "to build on our close and longstanding relations with the 60th anniversary of Singapore-India ties next year."  


Acting Foreign Minister of Iran Bagher Kani, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Penny Wong, and Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia were also among the several other leaders who wished PM Modi, Jaishankar, the government, and people of India on the occasion of Independence Day.


Besides these personal messages, the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs of various countries wished India from their respective official X handles.


These included Egypt, Ukraine, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Cyprus, Estonia, Oman, Romania, Iceland and Latvia.